High concentration NO2 generating system and method for generating high concentration NO2 using the generating system

ABSTRACT

A high concentration NO 2  gas generating system including a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means, wherein NO 2  is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in the circulating path is provided. The high concentration NO 2  gas generating system provides a high concentration NO 2  generating system and the high concentration NO 2  generating method using the generating system by which NO 2  of high concentration (approximately 500 ppm or above) required for a high level of sterilization process in such as sterilization of medical instruments can be simply and selectively obtained. In addition, since indoor air is used as an ingredient, the management of ingredients is simple and highly safe, and the high concentration of NO 2  can be simply and selectively prepared on demand.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a high concentration NO₂ generating system and a method for generating high concentration NO₂ using the generating system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a high concentration NO₂ generating system for obtaining NO₂ of high concentration in a simple and selective manner by using the air as an ingredient, and a method for generating a high concentration NO₂ using the generating system.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventionally, as sterilizing methods of medical instruments, high-pressure steam sterilization (hereinafter, simply referred to as “AC”) and ethylene oxide gas sterilization (hereinafter, simply referred to as “EOG sterilization”) have been widely used.

AC is a sterilization method in which an item to be sterilized is exposed under a high temperature at approximately 135° C., and has been widely used for medical instruments made of metal. However, there is a disadvantage that limitations exist in items to be sterilized since sterilization is performed under a high temperature condition. For example, there is a problem that heat labile materials such as plastics cannot be sterilized by AC.

On the other hand, EOG sterilization can be used for plastics since it can be performed at a lower temperature of 70° C. or below. However, due to its toxicity and risk of explosion, there is a disadvantage that EOG needs to be securely stored so as not to cause a problem associated with hygienics and safety, and sufficient care needs to be taken in handling. In addition, when EOG is supplied from a tank (cylinder) to a sterilizing apparatus via a pipe, the occurrence of weight reduction needs to be constantly monitored by measuring the weight of the cylinder for the purpose of preventing unexpected leakage from such as the pipes.

Besides those sterilization methods, a sterilization method using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has been used. As compared with EOG, hydrogen peroxide is simple to use and manage, and is useful from the safety perspective. However, since hydrogen peroxide is used in the form of an aqueous solution, the permeability to detail portions such as an inside of a tube is inferior to the AC or EOG sterilization.

As an alternative method to the AC or EOG sterilization, as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 240864/1988, a sterilization method using high concentration ozone (O₃) has also been used in which high concentration ozone is generated by providing a circulating pump in a position downstream from the ozone tank and upstream from the ozonizer and circulating ozone therethrough. In the method, an advantage exists that the generation of ozone and the decomposition of ozone after use are simple. However, there are disadvantages that high concentration ozone is explosive and gives the substantial damage to plastics.

As a sterilization method with no risk of explosion as compared with the above-mentioned various sterilization methods, a sterilization method using a nitrogen oxide gas (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “NOx”) has been proposed. In the method of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 162276/1983, for example, a gas mixture which is obtained by performing a plasma treatment to the gas mixture of oxygen and nitrogen is used for the purpose of sterilizing Escherichia coli present on such as food surface. In the method, a gas mixture of nitrogen oxide and ozone is prepared by performing the plasma treatment to a gas mixture introduced from an oxygen cylinder and nitrogen cylinder. The prepared gas mixture is sprayed on the surface of food to sterilize Escherichia coli present on the surface. Since the sterilization process can be performed at a moderate temperature, there are advantages that the method can be used for various items to be sterilized, and that sterilant gas does not need to be stored since nitrogen oxide is generated on demand.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In the sterilizing apparatus of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 162276/1983, however, nitrogen oxide is prepared by so called “single pass”, a single plasma treatment of a gas mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. In addition, nitrogen oxide is sprayed on the surface of food in an open space and the nitrogen oxide after the treatment is directly released to the atmosphere. As a result, the concentration of sterilant gas including nitrogen oxide is, at most, an order of several ppm and is useful to the extent of sterilizing Escherichia coli (and sterilization is performed on Escherichia coli present only on the surface of food). Accordingly, there is a problem that the method can never be used for the purpose of a high level of sterilization where enhanced reliability is desired (for example, medical instruments attached with germs; more specifically, sterilization of a microspace such as between scissors and an inside of a tube).

The present invention is provided in view of the above-mentioned problems. By focusing on the fact that nitrogen dioxide (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “NO₂”) exhibits a high sterilizing effect among other sterilant gases including nitrogen oxide, an object of the present invention is to provide a high concentration NO₂ generating system and a method for generating high concentration NO₂ using the generating system, by which NO₂ of high concentration (approximately 500 ppm or above) required for a high level of sterilization process in such as sterilization of medical instruments can be simply and selectively obtained. Another object of the present invention is to provide a high concentration NO₂ generating system and a method for generating high concentration NO₂ using the generating system, by which the high concentration of NO₂ can be simply and selectively prepared on demand since the management of ingredients is unnecessary due to the use of indoor air as an ingredient.

The high concentration NO₂ generating system according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1.

The system is configured by a chamber, NO₂ sensor, flow resistor, flow meter, plasma generator, pressure meter, circulating pump, dry air supply apparatus, and exhaust pump.

Preferably, the circulating means is a pressure device, and the circulating path is configured by connecting the plasma generator to the chamber at a downstream side of the path, connecting the pressure device to the plasma generator at a downstream side of the path, and connecting the chamber to the pressure device at a downstream side of the path.

Preferably, a flow resistive portion is connected between the chamber and the plasma generator.

Preferably, the circulating path further includes an NO₂ concentration measuring means.

Preferably, the NO₂ concentration measuring means is disposed within the chamber, or between the chamber and the flow resistive portion.

Preferably, the circulating path further includes an inlet portion for introducing the gas mixture, and the inlet portion includes a closure means and a gas drying means.

Preferably, the closure means is closed by detecting an internal pressure in the circulating path which increases by supplying the gas mixture into the circulating path under a reduced pressure.

Preferably, the flow resistive portion is an orifice.

The present invention is a method for generating high concentration NO₂, including circulating an NOx gas mixture in a circulating path formed by a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means until NO₂ concentration reaches 500 ppm to 100,000 ppm by using the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system.

Preferably, ambient air is employed for the gas mixture.

Preferably, dry air with a dew point from 0 to −90° C. is used for the gas mixture.

Preferably, an internal pressure of a plasma generating portion of the plasma generator is from 20 to 90 kPa (absolute pressure).

In the case the safety is a significant concern, preferably, a pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and an internal pressure of an interval from the pressure device through the chamber connected to the pressure device at the downstream side of the path to the flow resistive portion connected to the chamber at the downstream side of the path is set between approximately −1 and −50 kPa (relative pressure).

In the case the compactness of the system is a significant concern, an internal pressure of an interval from the pressure device through the chamber connected to the pressure device at the downstream side of the path to the flow resistive portion connected to the chamber at the downstream side of the path is maintained to be a positive pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.

Preferably, a flow volume of the NOx gas mixture circulating in the circulating path is 5LPM or above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view illustrating a high concentration NO₂ generating system according to an Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a plasma generating portion in the high concentration NO₂ generating system according to an Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a plasma generator in the high concentration NO₂ generating system according to an Embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a circulating path used in an Embodiment (Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Example 4) of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating the results of Examples 1 to 3.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a circulating path used in an Embodiment (Examples 4 to 6) of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the results of Examples 4 to 6.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a circulating path used in an Embodiment (Comparative Examples 1 and 2) of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the results of Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view illustrating a circulating path used in an Embodiment (Examples 7 to 13 and Comparative Example 3) of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating a circulating path used in an Embodiment (Comparative Examples 5 to 7) of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating the results of Examples 8 to 13.

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating the results of Example 14.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to the present Embodiment includes a circulating path 4 in which a chamber 1, a plasma generator 2, and a circulating apparatus 3 are connected as shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, the circulating path 4 is configured to include the chamber 1, a flow resistive portion 5 connected to the chamber 1 at the downstream side of the path via a pipe, the plasma generator 2 connected to the flow resistive portion 5 at the downstream side of the path via a pipe, and the circulating apparatus 3 connected to the plasma generator 2 at the downstream side of the path via a pipe. The circulating apparatus 3 is further connected to the chamber 1 at the upstream side of the path via a pipe such that a cyclic circulating path 4 is formed by the chamber 1, flow resistive portion 5, plasma generator 2, and circulating apparatus 3. By the operation of the circulating apparatus 3, a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen circulates in the circulating path 4 to generate NO₂.

The chamber 1 is an airtight compartment for containing a high concentration NO₂ gas to be generated. The chamber 1 has a rectangular box shape in the present Embodiment, however, it may have a spherical shape or cylindrical shape. Since the chamber 1 of the present Embodiment forms the circulating path 4, a flow outlet, a flow inlet, and an openable and closable gas supply opening for taking out the high concentration NO₂ gas are formed.

The chamber 1 of the present Embodiment includes an inlet portion 1 a for introducing the gas mixture therein and a gas supply portion 1 b for exhausting the gas in the chamber 1. The inlet portion 1 a includes an inlet pipe 1 c connected to the inlet opening of the chamber 1, a closure means 1 d for opening/closing for an air flow through the inlet pipe 1 c, and a gas drying means 1 e for drying the gas mixture. The reference numeral f is a filter. The gas drying means 1 e dries the gas mixture introduced in the chamber 1 to prevent impurities from attaching to such as the plasma generator 2, and to prevent corrosion of the components such as an electrode and packing by inhibiting nitrification of NOx. In the present Embodiment, an air dryer is employed as the gas drying means 1 e.

In the present Embodiment, an air drive valve is used as the closure means 1 d. With a pressure detecting means 8 (pressure sensor), the air drive valve detects the pressure in the circulating path 4 which increases by supplying a gas mixture into the circulating path 4 controlled under a reduced pressure. The air drive valve is controlled such that it is electrically driven to close when the differential pressure relative to the ambient air is approximately from −1 to −50 kPa (relative pressure). In addition to this, an air drive valve or an electromagnetic valve which automatically closes at a predetermined internal pressure may be employed as a closure means 1 d. Furthermore, the closure means 1 d may be configured by a gas drying means 1 e including a valve for blocking an air flow at the same time of shutting down operation.

It is noted that the inlet portion 1 a for introducing the gas mixture may be provided in the circulating path besides the chamber 1, and may be connected, for example, to the pipe at the upstream side from the plasma generator 2.

The gas mixture is a gas including nitrogen and oxygen which are ingredients for generating high concentration NO₂ gas, and the air is employed as the gas mixture in the present Embodiment. In the present Embodiment, a tip of the inlet pipe 1 c, therefore, is open for serving as an air inlet opening and includes an air filter. In addition to the air, a gas in which nitrogen and oxygen are composed at a ratio of between 95:5 and 5:95 and which is filled in a cylinder may be employed as a gas mixture. In such a case, the tip of the inlet pipe is connected to the cylinder.

The gas supply portion 1 b includes an exhaust pipe 1 f, a closure means 1 g, and an exhaust pump 1 h. By opening/closing the closure means 1 g and driving the exhaust pump 1 h, the high concentration NO₂ gas retained in the chamber 1 including the circulating path 4 as well as impurities and gases such as vapors can be exhausted in an exhausting step described later. In the case of the high concentration NO₂ gas, by connecting the gas supply portion 1 b to a sterilizing chamber for performing a high level of sterilization of such as medical instruments to exhaust the gas, a sterilization apparatus using the high concentration NO₂ gas on demand can be formed.

In the present description, a gas including nitrogen and oxygen which is supplied from the outside to the high concentration NO₂ generating system as an ingredient is referred to as a gas mixture, a gas including NOx which is generated by circulating through the plasma generator 2 at least once is referred to as an NOx gas mixture, and a gas which reaches a desired level of NO₂ concentration by repeating the above-described circulation is referred to as a high concentration NO₂ gas.

The volume of the chamber 1 is preferably around 1 to 300 L, more preferably around 20 to 150 L, and most preferably around 30 to 70 L such that the time required for elevating the concentration of NO₂ on demand is not too long. The chamber 1 of the present Embodiment has a volume of 40 L.

The chamber 1 is formed by using such as stainless, nickel-chrome alloy, or unsaturated polyester resin (FRP) which is not likely to be corroded by NO₂ or nitric acid, and the chamber is stably supported by securing it on a base (not shown).

In the present Embodiment, the flow resistive portion 5 is formed by an orifice 5 a. The orifice 5 a is provided in the pipe at the downstream side from the chamber 1, and makes up an orifice fluid meter. In the present Embodiment, therefore, it is advantageous that a flow volume of the gas circulating out of the chamber 1 can be measured. In addition to the orifice 5 a, the flow resistive portion 5 may be configured in such a manner that a portion of the pipe at the downstream side from the chamber 1 is configured by a narrow pipe to increase the flow resistivity of that portion.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the plasma generator 2 is a unit capable of generating a plasma under normal temperature and normal pressure by using microwaves, and is generally configured to include a microwave generating apparatus 2 a for generating microwaves with a predetermined wavelength, a waveguide 2 b which is connected to the microwave generating apparatus 2 a to transmit the microwaves, and a plasma generating portion 2 c which is provided integrally with the waveguide 2 b.

The microwave generating apparatus 2 a generates microwaves at 2.45 GHz, for example, and transmits the microwaves into the waveguide 2 b. The microwave generating apparatus 2 a, therefore, includes a microwave generating source such as a magnetron for generating microwaves, an amplifier for adjusting the power of the microwaves generated at the microwave generating source to a predetermined power intensity, and a microwave transmitting antenna for emitting the microwaves into the waveguide 2 b. As the microwave generating apparatus 2 a used in the plasma generator 2, an apparatus of a continuous variable type which is capable of outputting microwave energy of between 1 W and 3 kW, for example, is suitable.

The waveguide 2 b is made of a nonmagnetic metal (such as aluminum), for example, has a tubular shape with a rectangular cross section, and transmits the microwaves generated by the microwave generating apparatus 2 a toward the plasma generating portion 2 c. The waveguide 2 b of the present Embodiment is configured by a square tubular assembly using top and bottom plates, and two side plates made of metallic flat plates. In addition to such plate assembly, the waveguide may also be formed by such as extrusion or bending process of a plate member. Moreover, a waveguide 2 b with an oval cross section may be used in addition to the waveguide 2 b with a rectangular cross section. Furthermore, not only by nonmagnetic metals, but the waveguide may be configured by various members having the waveguide property. The waveguide 2 b is grounded in the present Embodiment.

The plasma generating portion 2 c is integrally configured with the waveguide 2 b, and includes a rod-shaped conducting shaft 2 d inserted through the waveguide 2 b and a tubular conducting tube 2 e. The conducting shaft 2 d is further configured by an antenna portion 2 f which is inserted into the waveguide 2 b to receive the microwaves, and a center electrode 2 g protruding externally from the waveguide 2 b which, in the present Embodiment, is inserted through the waveguide 2 b via an electric insulator. The conducting shaft 2 d of the present Embodiment has a circular cross section, however, the conducting shaft with an elliptical, oval, or a long oval cross section may be employed. The conducting shaft 2 d of the present Embodiment is formed by using titanium, however, materials capable of conducting microwaves such as titanium alloy, copper, platinum, gold, and silver may be used. A shielding film 2 h made of ceramic is formed at a tip of the conducting shaft 2 d (center electrode 2 g) for preventing arc discharge and protecting the electrode.

In the present Embodiment, the conducting tube 2 e has a generally cylindrical shape, and the inner diameter thereof is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the conducting shaft 2 d. The conducting tube is provided to cover the center electrode 2 g protruding externally from the waveguide 2 b while having the center electrode at the center, and a ring-shaped space 21 is formed between the center electrode 2 g and conducting tube 2 e. The base end of the conducting tube 2 e is electrically conductive and fixed relative to the waveguide 2 b, and the conducting tube 2 e is thus grounded via waveguide 2 b. The conducting tube 2 e may have such as a rectangular cross section or an oval cross section in addition to a circular cross section. However, a tip thereof is formed to have a length which terminates with substantially the same position as the tip of the center electrode 2 g. It is noted that the conducting tube 2 e of the present Embodiment is made using stainless steel, however, it may be made of such as aluminum.

In the conducting tube 2 e of the present Embodiment, a ventilation opening is provided at a position toward the base end thereof. By connecting a pipe 2 j extending from the flow resistive portion 5 to the ventilation opening, the circulating path 4 connecting from the flow resistive portion 5 to the plasma generator 2 is configured. The gas mixture flowing in the circulating path 4 moves through inside the ring-shaped space 21 toward the end of the center electrode 2 g. Furthermore, to an outside edge of the conducting tube 2 e, a ceramic shielding tube 2 k is inserted to prevent the arc discharge relative to the center electrode 2 g. The outside edge of the shielding tube 2 k is connected to the pipe 2 j directing further toward the downstream of the path to thereby form the circulating path 4.

In the plasma generating portion 2 c thus configured, 2.45 GHz of microwave (power is adjustable) generated from the microwave generating apparatus 2 a (magnetron) is emitted from the microwave transmitting antenna of the microwave generating apparatus 2 a provided at one end of the waveguide 2 b to the plasma generating portion 2 c. The emitted microwave transmits in the waveguide 2 b and is received by the antenna portion 2 f of the conducting shaft 2 d in the plasma generating portion 2 c. The microwave thus received by the antenna portion 2 f transmits on the surface of the conducting shaft 2 d, and reaches the tip of the center electrode 2 g. The tip of the center electrode 2 g is electrically coupled to the waveguide 2 b, and is disposed nearby the tip of the conducting tube 2 e of a ground potential. By the microwaves reached the tip of the center electrode 2 g, an intense electric field is formed between the tip of the conducting tube 2 e and the tip of the center electrode 2 g, especially in the vicinity of the tip of the center electrode 2 g. It is noted that the conducting tube 2 e is formed to have a resonance point in the 2.45 GHz band, such that an intense electric field is efficiently formed at the tip portion of the center electrode 2 g.

By the intense electric field thus formed, partial ionization is generated in nitrogen and oxygen included in the gas mixture supplied via the circulating path 4. As a result, an aggregate of electrons at several tens of thousands degrees in Celsius, ions at substantially normal temperature, neutral atoms at substantially normal temperature, and neutral molecules at substantially normal temperature is composed. Comprehensively, this condition is electrically neutral, and in other words, a plasma state, and more particularly a low-temperature plasma (non-equilibrium plasma) state is formed.

In other words, nitrogen and oxygen of the gas mixture in the vicinity of the end of the center electrode 2 g generate dielectric breakdown by being excited through the intense electric field formed by the microwaves, and are displaced from the molecular state to the low-temperature plasma (non-equilibrium plasma) state. The gas under the low-temperature plasma state has a high reactivity with respect to other gases under the low-temperature plasma state or molecular state. Therefore, when the gas mixture including primarily nitrogen and oxygen is introduced to the plasma generating portion 2 c, a portion thereof is converted to nitrogen oxides of such as nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide or to ozone. N₂+O₂→2NO  1. N₂+2O₂→2NO₂  2. 3O₂→2O₃  3.

It is noted that the conversion ratio is the largest in the case of equation 1. A portion of nitrogen monoxide generated according to equation 1 binds with oxygen under the low-temperature plasma state in the plasma generating portion 2 c and is converted to nitrogen dioxide. 2NO+O₂→2NO₂  4.

The NOx gas mixture including NO₂ thus generated circulates through the circulating path 4 or is retained in the chamber 1. During this time, nitrogen monoxide generated according to equation 1 reacts stepwise with oxygen in the NOx gas mixture or with the ozone generated according to equation 3, and is further converted to nitrogen dioxide as shown in equations 5 and 6. As a result, the NO₂ concentration increases. 2NO+O₂→2NO₂  5. NO+O₃→NO₂+O₂  6.

Ozone generated according to equation 3 reacts with nitrogen in the NOx gas mixture to generate nitrogen monoxide. N₂+2O₃→2NO+2O₂  7.

This nitrogen monoxide is also converted to nitrogen dioxide by the reactions according to equations 5 and 6.

In this manner, when the NOx gas mixture repeats to circulate in the circulating path, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide gradually increases and the high concentration NO₂ gas with a desired level of NO₂ concentration is obtained. However, when the generated nitrogen monoxide or nitrogen dioxide again passes through the plasma generator 2, a phenomenon occurs that a portion thereof again becomes under the low-temperature plasma state by a dissociation reaction and thus returns to nitrogen or oxygen. Accordingly, when the concentration of the NOx gas mixture reaches a certain level of the high concentration NO₂ gas by repeating the circulation, the generation of nitrogen oxide and the dissociation of nitrogen oxide fall under an equilibrium state, so that the enhancement does not proceed further at a certain concentration.

In the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system of the present Embodiment, a circulating path 4 including a single plasma generator 2 is illustrated as shown in FIG. 1. However, two or three or more plasma generators 2 may be connected in parallel to form the circulating path 4. This is preferable since the high concentration NO₂ gas can be generated in a short time in such case. Furthermore, the circulating path 4 may be divaricated in the plasma generator 2 to provide a plasma generating portion 2 c for each of the diverged paths.

The circulating apparatus 3 is configured by using a pressure device 6 in the present Embodiment. A fan may also be used as the circulating apparatus 3. As the pressure device 6, an air pump may be preferably employed, and an air blower or air compressor may also be used. As for the air pump, a diaphragm pump with approximately 20 to 100 watt power and made of fluorine rubber, a plunger pump made of ceramic, or bellows pump may be employed. The pressure device 6 is provided in the pipe for connecting the plasma generator 2 and the chamber 1, and is connected to apply pressure to the chamber 1 side at the downstream side of the path.

As mentioned above, the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system of the present Embodiment makes up the cyclic circulating path 4 by connecting the chamber 1, flow resistive portion 5, plasma generator 2, and pressure device 6 in circular via the pipes. By the operation of the pressure device 6, the air (gas mixture) introduced from the inlet portion 1 a flows through the circulating path 4, and the NOx gas mixture is generated which includes nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide generated by the reaction of nitrogen and oxygen displaced to the low-temperature plasma (non-equilibrium plasma) state when passing through the plasma generator 2. The nitrogen monoxide is converted to nitrogen dioxide when it reacts with oxygen in the NOx gas mixture and ozone stepwise. The high concentration NO₂ gas can thus be generated by the gradual increase in the concentration of the nitrogen dioxide.

In the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system of the present Embodiment, when the NOx gas mixture (including gas mixture) circulates in the circulating path 4 by the operation of the pressure device 6, the gas pressure increases by the pressure device 6. The gas pressure of the NOx gas mixture gradually decreases in the course of the movement of the gas mixture through the circulating path 4 by the resistance of the flow resistive portion 5 as well as the resistance of each path including the resistance in the pipes, and the gas mixture returns to the pressure device 6. As a result, the gas pressures are different in respective regions within the path to create a pressure gradient. Particularly, in the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system, the plasma generator 2 is connected to the flow resistive portion 5 at the downstream side of the path, and further the pressure device 6 for increasing the pressure at the chamber side is connected downstream thereto. The system is configured such that the pressure decreases at the flow resistive portion 5, and the internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 at the downstream side of the path is the lowest in the circulating path 4. The gas pressure of the NOx gas mixture moving nearby the center electrode 2 g of the plasma generating portion 2 c is thus maintained at a low pressure. Accordingly, even if the nitrogen and oxygen in the NOx gas mixture decrease by continuing the gas circulation, the generation of plasma is stably maintained.

According to the present Embodiment, an NO₂ concentration measuring means 7 is further provided in the circulating path 4. The NO₂ concentration measuring means 7 employs a sensor which measures a concentration by projecting blue light on a transparent light guiding tube, which is provided at the chamber 1 and is filled with the NOx gas mixture by communicating therewith, to measure the intensity of the transmitting light attenuated in accordance with the concentration of the NOx gas mixture contained in the light guiding tube by means of a light receiving portion. In addition to this, as the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7, a sensor or the like may be used which uses the single-wavelength laser induced fluorescence or which detects NO₂ by coloring a detecting element utilizing a coupling reaction and measuring the color intensity of the detecting element.

According to the present Embodiment, the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7 is connected to the chamber 1 to measure the NO₂ concentration of the NOx retained in the chamber 1. As mentioned above, the pressure of the NOx gas mixture flowing through the circulating path 4 generates differences in respective regions. In addition, since the temperature of the NOx gas mixture in the plasma generating portion 2 c increases, there is a temperature gradient over the circulating path 4. Accordingly, when the NO₂ concentration is measured, the correction of the concentration needs to be performed due to the pressure and temperature differences at different measurement positions. However, in the case of measuring the NO₂ concentration of the NOx gas mixture retained in the chamber 1 containing the high concentration NO₂ gas generated according to the present Embodiment, an accurate measurement can advantageously be performed without needing the correction of the concentration from the perspective of such pressure and temperature. It is noted that, in addition to providing in the chamber 1, the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7 is preferably provided between the chamber 1 and the flow resistive portion 5 located at the downstream of the path from the chamber from the same reason.

Hereinafter, an Embodiment of the method for generating the high concentration NO₂ gas is described. The method for generating the high concentration NO₂ gas according to the present Embodiment is performed by using the above-described high concentration NO₂ gas generating system, and is characterized in that the NOx gas mixture is circulated in the circulating path 4 formed by the chamber 1, flow resistive portion 5, plasma generator 2, and pressure device 6 until the NO₂ concentration reaches 500 ppm to 100,000 ppm. More specifically, the method includes:

-   -   (1) exhausting (vacuuming) the air in the circulating path 4         including the chamber (exhausting step),     -   (2) filling the dry gas mixture (dry air) in the circulating         path 4 including the chamber (air charging step),     -   (3) starting the plasma generator 2 to generate the NOx gas         mixture including NO₂ from nitrogen and oxygen in the dry air         being displaced to the low-temperature plasma (non-equilibrium         plasma) state (starting step),     -   (4) generating the high concentration NO₂ gas by circulating the         NOx gas mixture until the NO₂ concentration reaches 500 ppm to         100,000 ppm (circulating step), and     -   (5) supplying the high concentration NO₂ gas externally from the         chamber 1 (supplying step).

In the exhausting step, the gas remaining in the circulating path 4 including the chamber 1 is released externally by using an exhaust pump 1 b to obtain a substantially vacuumed state within the circulating path 4. By the step, impurities, moisture and the like remaining in the circulating path 4 are discharged.

Subsequently in the air charging step, the closure means 1 d of the inlet pipe 1 c is opened to introduce the external fresh air (gas mixture) into the chamber 1. In the present Embodiment, the ambient air in the installation space of the high concentration NO₂ gas generating system is used as the gas mixture. Since the control and operation of a gas cylinder filled with the gas mixture is unnecessary, it is excellent in the perspective of workability and cost, and is preferable in generating the high concentration NO₂ gas on demand.

At this time, for the purpose of preventing the attachment of impurities to such as the plasma generator 2 and of inhibiting nitrification of the NOx gas mixture, the dew point of the gas mixture is dried to be, for example, from 0 to −90° C., preferably from −30 to −60° C., and −60° C. in the present Embodiment by using the gas drying means 1 e provided in the air inlet pipe 1 c. In the case the dew point is higher than 0° C., attachment of impurities to such as the plasma generator 2 is excessive due to the moisture in the gas mixture, and NO₂ decreases since the nitrification of the NOx gas mixture proceeds. On the other hand, in the case the dew point is lower than −90° C., time and cost for drying the gas mixture by using the gas drying means 1 e increase. Here, the relationship between the dew point and absolute humidity is described. Since one molecule of H₂O reacts with NO₂ to generate HNO₃, 2.556 mg of NO₂ is converted to nitric acid by the presence of 1 mg of H₂O. In the case the dew point is 0° C., since the absolute humidity is 4.46 mg (mg/L), 11.39 (mg/L) of NO₂ is converted to nitric acid. On the other hand, in the case the dew point is −30° C., since the absolute humidity is 0.28 mg (mg/L), 0.71 (mg/L) of NO₂ is converted to nitric acid such that the effect of moisture can be made to be 1% or less. In the same manner, 0.24 (mg/L) of NO₂ is converted to nitric acid in the case the dew point is −40° C., and 0.00018 (mg/L) of NO₂ is converted to nitric acid in the case the dew point is −90° C. In other words, the lower the dew point is, the lower the amount of nitric acid to be converted, resulting in the effective use of the generated high concentration NO₂ gas. However, as mentioned above, from the perspective of the increasing time and cost for drying by using the gas drying means 1 e, the dew point is preferably between −30 and −60° C.

In the air charging step, by introducing the air into the circulating path 4 under a substantially vacuumed state, the pressure in the circulating path 4 including the inside of the chamber 1 increases. At the time when the differential pressure between the increasing internal pressure and the external pressure is between −1 and −50 kPa (relative pressure), the air drive valve provided as the closure means 1 d is closed to stop the air supply. In this manner, a “negative pressure state prior to start up” in which the internal pressure of the circulating path 4 is lower than the external pressure is created.

Subsequently in the circulating step, the microwave generating apparatus 2 a of the plasma generator 2 and the pressure device 6 are started. By way of this, the gas mixture circulates in the circulating path 4, and nitrogen oxide of such as nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, and ozone are generated to create the NOx gas mixture by the displacement of nitrogen and oxygen of the gas mixture into the low-temperature plasma state at the plasma generating portion 2 c of the plasma generator 2. By further circulating the NOx gas mixture, the NO₂ concentration is gradually increased in the above-described manner. The circulation of the NOx gas mixture is continued until the concentration of NO₂ reaches, for example, approximately 500 to 100,000 ppm, preferably 20,000 to 60,000 ppm, and 40,000 ppm in the present Embodiment to generate the high concentration NO₂ gas. In the case the NO₂ concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas is less than 500 ppm, the sterilization effect may not be sufficient for a microspace of an item to be sterilized such as an inside of a tube. On the other hand, in the case the concentration is above 100,000 ppm, the sterilization effect is not further increased and the exhausting process of the high concentration NO₂ gas becomes troublesome, and the time and cost for generating the high concentration NO₂ gas substantially increase.

When the pressure device 6 is actuated and the gas mixture or the NOx gas mixture circulates in the circulating path 4, the internal pressure of the path creates the pressure gradient in which the pressure is the highest at the downstream side of the path from the pressure device 6 and gradually decreases toward the downstream of the path due to the resistance in the flow resistive portion 5, the resistance in the plasma generating portion 2 c, the resistance in the pipes and the like. Since the circulation is initiated from the above-described negative pressure state prior to start up, the pressure gradient is created by setting the negative pressure prior to start up as the mean value. Furthermore, in the present Embodiment, the negative pressure prior to start up is set by adjusting the timing for operating the closure means 1 d such that the pressure at the downstream from the pressure device 6 with the highest internal pressure is still lower than the atmospheric pressure. More specifically, the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure and the gas mixture or the NOx gas mixture present in the interval from the pressure device 6 through the chamber 1 connected to the pressure device 6 at the downstream side therefrom to the flow resistive portion 5 connected to the chamber 1 at the downstream side therefrom is set, for example, between approximately −1 and −50 kPa (relative pressure), preferably −5 and −40 kPa (relative pressure), and −5 kPa (relative pressure) in the present Embodiment. In the case the differential pressure is less than −1 kPa (relative pressure), this may lead to leakage of the NOx gas through the connecting portions of the circulating path, air inlet portion 1 a for introducing the gas mixture, or the gas supply opening for taking out the high concentration NO₂. On the other hand, in the case the differential pressure is above −50 kPa (relative pressure), it is excessive for the purpose of preventing the gas leakage, and the amount of NO₂ in the high concentration NO₂ gas is likely to decrease. Here, the internal pressure of the chamber 1 and the volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas are described. In the case the volume of the chamber 1 is 40 L and the atmospheric pressure is 101.3 kPa (absolute pressure), the volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas is 40 L when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 is 0 kPa (relative pressure). The volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas is larger when the internal pressure is positive. However, this is not preferable since the high concentration NO₂ gas stored in the chamber may leak as described above. On the other hand, the volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas is 36.1 L when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 is −10 kPa (relative pressure). The volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas is 28.2 L when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 is −30 kPa (relative pressure), and 20.3 L when the pressure is −50 kPa (relative pressure). In other words, the lower the internal pressure in the chamber 1, the smaller the volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas. Therefore, the internal pressure of the chamber 1 is preferably negative, and the pressure from −1 to −50 kPa (relative pressure) is more preferable. The lower limit is −50 kPa (relative pressure) from the perspective of the decreasing volume allowed for storing the high concentration NO₂ gas, however, there is no problem from the safety perspective when the pressure is lower than that value. With respect to the internal pressure of the circulating path 4, provided that leakage of gas is prevented by a suitable leakage prevention means, the internal pressure of the interval from the pressure device 6 through the chamber 1 to the flow resistive portion 5 may set to be a positive pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure by delaying the timing for operating the closure means 1 d. Under a high pressure, the amount of NO₂ in the high concentration NO₂ gas increases at the same level of concentration. This is preferable in that a large amount of NO₂ can be generated while using a small chamber 1.

By adjusting the timing for operating the closure means 1 d or adjusting the value of resistance of the flow resistive portion 5, the pressure inside the plasma generating portion 2 c of the plasma generator 2 is preferably set between approximately 20 and 90 kPa (absolute pressure), more preferably 40 and 80 kPa (absolute pressure), and 70 kPa (absolute pressure) in the present Embodiment. The dielectric breakdown due to the microwaves for generating a plasma is intensified with a lower gas pressure. Under the small negative pressure of above 90 kPa (absolute pressure), the stability for generating a plasma due to the dielectric breakdown decreases. Particularly, at the stage when the circulation of the NOx gas mixture proceeds and the nitrogen and oxygen contents are decreased, the generation of plasma may stop. On the other hand, in the case of a low pressure of less than 20 kPa (absolute pressure), the dielectric breakdown is accelerated. However, the amount of oxygen and nitrogen in the gas mixture or NOx gas mixture is likely to decrease.

The flow volume of the NOx gas mixture circulating in the circulating path 4 is preferably 5 LPM or more. With a small flow volume of less than 5 LPM, the gas flow rate flowing in the ring-shaped space 21 between the center electrode 2 g of the plasma generator 2 and the conducting tube 2 e decreases. This may lead to damage the center electrode 2 g in a short time period, since the cooling effect for the warming center electrode 2 g is not sufficient. On the other hand, there is no significant problem associated with an increased flow volume. However, this places undue load on the pressure device 6 and increases the operating costs. In view of this, it is preferable when the upper limit is set to be approximately 200 LPM.

In the circulating step, when the concentration of NO₂ increases, and at the time when the high concentration NO₂ gas (NO₂ concentration of 40,000 ppm in the present Embodiment) is reached as a result of the measurement taken by the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7, the operation of the plasma generator 2 and pressure device 6 is stopped. In the subsequent supplying step, the high concentration NO₂ gas filled in the chamber 1 is supplied from the gas supply opening to a sterilizing chamber 1 for containing such as medical instruments for sterilization in the present Embodiment. It is noted that the gas is supplied through the suction of the vacuumed sterilizing chamber 1 in the present Embodiment, however the gas may be supplied by using a pump.

EXAMPLE

Hereinafter, the high concentration NO₂ generating system of the present invention is described in detail by Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to those Examples.

(Generation speed of NO₂ in the case of changing the number of electrodes (conducting shaft 2 d))

Example 1

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 4, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The air was made to circulate by a pressure device 61 and pressure device 62, and a flow resistive portion 51 and flow resistive portion 52 were adjusted such that the flow meter F1 and flow meter F2 indicated 16 LPM. The pressure in the circulating path at this time was monitored to be from 60 to 70 kPa (absolute pressure) with a pressure meter PG1 and pressure meter PG2. With a plasma generator 21 and plasma generator 22, two electrodes were inserted in the waveguide 2 b to apply 160 W of electric power to the plasma generator 21 and plasma generator 22. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time by the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7. The result is shown in FIG. 5. The reference numeral E1 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 1.

Example 2

Two electrodes were inserted in the plasma generator 21 to apply 160 W of electric power. Electric power was not applied to the other plasma generator 22. Other arrangement was the same as that of Example 1, and the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time. The result is shown in FIG. 5. The reference numeral E2 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 2.

Example 3

One electrode was inserted in the plasma generator 21 to apply 80 W of electric power. Electric power was not applied to the other plasma generator 22. Other arrangement was the same as that of Example 1, and the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time. The result is shown in FIG. 5. The reference numeral E3 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 3.

From Examples 1 to 3, it was found that the increase in the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ is faster when the number of the electrodes (conducting shaft 2 d) is increased. The concentration reached 70 mg/L in approximately 60 minutes in Example 1, the concentration reached 70 mg/L in approximately 120 minutes in Example 2, and the concentration reached 70 mg/L in approximately 240 minutes in Example 3. Therefore, it was found that the number of electrodes (conducting shaft 2 d) is proportional to the generating speed of the high concentration NO₂ gas.

Here, the concentration of NO₂ gas generated in Examples 1 to 3 was approximately 70 mg/L, and it is 36,500 ppm when the unit is converted to ppm. In addition, since NO₂ and N₂O₄ are present under an equilibrium state in the high concentration NO₂ gas, 63,600 ppm of NO₂ is theoretically present in practical.

(Generation speed of NO₂ in the case of changing the flow volume of NOx gas mixture circulating in the circulating path)

Example 4

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 6, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The air was made to circulate by the pressure device 61 and pressure device 62, and the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, and flow resistive portion 53 were adjusted such that the internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 was to be from 60 to 70 kPa (absolute pressure), and the flow volume of the gas was to be 8 LPM±1 LPM. Two electrodes were respectively inserted to the plasma generator 21 and plasma generator 22, and electric power applied to the plasma generator 21 and plasma generator 22 was 160 W, respectively. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time by the NO₂ concentration measuring means 7. The result is shown in FIG. 7. The reference numeral E4 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time according to Example 4.

Example 5

Other than that the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, and flow resistive portion 53 were adjusted to obtain the flow volume of the gas of 5 LPM±1 LPM, the arrangement was the same as that of Example 4. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time. The result is shown in FIG. 7. The reference numeral E5 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time according to Example 5.

Example 6

Other than that the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, and flow resistive portion 53 were adjusted to obtain the flow volume of the gas of 12 LPM±1 LPM, and a pressure device 63 and pressure device 64 were used together, the arrangement was the same as that of Example 4. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured over time. The result is shown in FIG. 7. The reference numeral E6 is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time according to Example 6.

From Examples 4 to 6, it was found that the generation speed of the high concentration NO₂ gas is the same level in the case the flow volume of the gas is 8 LPM or above, and the difference was little even when the flow volume is 5 LPM.

(The concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas in the case NOx gas mixture is not circulated in the circulating path)

Comparative Example 1

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 8, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The pressure device 61 and pressure device 62 were actuated, and the flow resistive portion 53 was released. The flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, flow resistive portion 54, and the flow meter F1 were adjusted such that the internal pressures of the plasma generators 21 and 22 were to be from 60 to 70 kPa (absolute pressure), the flow volume was to be 16 LPM±1 LPM (8 LPM per electrode), and the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The pressure device 61 and pressure device 62 were stopped, and the flow resistive portion 53 was closed such that a middle chamber MC was made to be vacuumed (−95 kPa (relative pressure)). After adjusting the flow volume in the plasma generator 2 to be 5 LPM by actuating the pressure device 61 and pressure device 62, the plasma was ignited. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured by an NO₂ concentration measuring means 71 and NO₂ concentration measuring means 72. The number of electrodes was four, and 160 W of electric power was applied. The result is shown in FIG. 9. The reference numeral CE1 a is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time immediately after the plasma according to Comparative Example 1. The reference numeral CE1 b is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time immediately after the middle chamber MC according to Comparative Example 1. The reference numeral T is a dry air storage tank, and the reference numeral F3 is an automatic flow volume adjusting mechanism.

Comparative Example 2

Other than that after vacuuming the middle chamber MC, the flow volume in the plasma generator 2 was adjusted to be 8 LPM by actuating the pressure device 61 and pressure device 62, the arrangement was the same as that of Comparative Example 1. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas was measured. The result is shown in FIG. 9. The reference numeral CE2 a is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time immediately after the plasma according to Comparative Example 2. The reference numeral CE2 b is a graph showing the changes of the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode over time immediately after the middle chamber MC according to Comparative Example 2.

From FIG. 9, it was found that the concentration of NO₂ does not increase and is at most 7 mg/L (36.50 ppm when the unit is converted to ppm), and it was found the NO₂ gas can be enhanced by circulation.

(Lightning stability of plasma by internal pressure of plasma generating portion)

Example 7

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 10, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 was made to be −20 kPa (relative pressure) by actuating the pressure device 6, and the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 53, and flow meter F1 were adjusted such that the flow volume in the plasma generator 2 was to be 16 LPM±1 LPM (8 LPM per electrode). The number of electrode was two, and 120 of electric power was applied. The plasma lightning time was 1 hour. The test was performed three times, and an average was calculated. The result is shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 3

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 11, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 was made to be 0 kPa (relative pressure) by actuating the pressure device 6, and the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, and flow meter F1 were adjusted such that the flow volume in the plasma generator 2 was to be 16 LPM±1 LPM (8 LPM per electrode). The number of electrode was four, and 160 W of electric power was applied. The plasma lightning time was 1 hour. The test was performed three times, and an average was calculated. The result is shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 4

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 11, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 was made to be −20 kPa (relative pressure) by actuating the pressure device 6, and the flow resistive portion 51, flow resistive portion 52, and flow meter F1 were adjusted such that the flow volume in the plasma generator 2 was to be 16 LPM±1 LPM (8 LPM per electrode). The number of electrode was four, and 160 W of electric power was applied. The plasma lightning time was 1 hour. The test was performed three times, and an average was calculated. The result is shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Internal pressure of Concentration of high concentration plasma generating NO₂ gas [mg/L] portion 2 [kPa] Test 1 Test 2 Test 3 Average Example 7 −20 70 70 70 70 Comparative 0 28 52.7 40.1 40.3 Example 3 Comparative 20 13.3 47.1 20.9 27.1 Example 4

As shown in Table 1, the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased to 70 mg/L, and the plasma did not turn off in Example 7. On the other hand, the plasma turned off during the plasma lightening time (1 hour) in Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4, and the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased only to the values as shown in Table 1. Accordingly, it was found that the lightening of plasma is maintained in the case the internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 is negative, however, plasma is likely to turn off in the case the internal pressure of the plasma generator 2 is 0 or positive.

(Damage on electrode in the case of changing the flow volume of gas)

Comparative Example 5

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 4, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), the air (dew point −60° C.) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The pressure device 61 and pressure device 62 were actuated, and the flow resistive portion 51 and flow resistive portion 52 were adjusted to control the flow volume of the gas such that the flow meter F1 and flow meter F2 indicated 1 LPM for generating the high concentration NO₂ gas. The pressure was adjusted such that the value of the pressure meter PG1 and pressure meter PG2 indicated from 60 to 70 kPa (absolute pressure). The number of electrodes was four, and 160 W of electric power was applied. The plasma lightening time was 1 hour. As a result, two electrodes out of four were damaged.

Comparative Example 6

Other than adjusting the flow meter F1, flow meter F2, flow resistive portion 51, and flow resistive portion 52 such that the flow volume of the gas was to be 2 LPM, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Comparative Example 5. As a result, one electrode out of four was damaged.

From the result of Comparative Example 5 and Comparative Example 6, it was found that the electrode body is not sufficiently cooled by a gas flow in the case a gas flow is 5 LPM or less, and the alumina coat provided on the surface of the electrode made of titanium is damaged as a result.

(Concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas in the case of changing ratio of oxygen in ingredient gas)

Example 8

In the circulating path shown in FIG. 10, when the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was vacuum (−101 kPa (relative pressure)), an ingredient gas (10% oxygen, 90% nitrogen) was filled such that the internal pressure of the chamber 1 was to be −5 kPa (relative pressure). The flow volume of the gas was adjusted to be 16 LPM by actuating the circulating pressure device 6 to generate the high concentration NO₂ gas. The concentration thereof was measured by the NO₂ concentration measurement means 7. The pressure was adjusted such that the value of the pressure meter PG1 indicated from 60 to 70 kPa (absolute pressure). The number of electrodes was two, and 120 W of electric power was applied. The result is shown in FIG. 12.

The reference numeral E8 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 8.

Example 9

Other than that an ingredient gas (20% oxygen, 80% nitrogen) was used, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 8. The result is shown in FIG. 12. The reference numeral E9 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 9.

Example 10

Other than that an ingredient gas (40% oxygen, 60% nitrogen) was used, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 8. The result is shown in FIG. 12. The reference numeral E10 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 10.

Example 11

Other than that an ingredient gas (50% oxygen, 50% nitrogen) was used, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 8. The result is shown in FIG. 12. The reference numeral E11 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 11.

Example 12

Other than that an ingredient gas (60% oxygen, 40% nitrogen) was used, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 8. The result is shown in FIG. 12. The reference numeral E12 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 12.

Example 13

Other than that an ingredient gas (80% oxygen, 20% nitrogen) was used, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 8. The result is shown in FIG. 12. The reference numeral E13 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 13.

As shown in FIG. 12, the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased to approximately 35 (mg/L) in the case of using the ingredient gas (oxygen 10%, nitrogen 90%) of Example 8, the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased to approximately 62 (mg/L) in the case of using the ingredient gas (oxygen 20%, nitrogen 80%) of Example 9, and the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased to the maximum of approximately 80 (mg/L) in the case of using the ingredient gas (oxygen 80%, nitrogen 20%) of Example 13. The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas increased above the maximum of approximately 86 (mg/L) in the case of using the ingredient gas (oxygen 40%, nitrogen 60%) of Example 10, the ingredient gas (oxygen 50%, nitrogen 50%) of Example 11, and the ingredient gas (oxygen 60%, nitrogen 40%) of Example 12. In addition, it was found that the increasing speed is also fast.

The concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas generated in Example 12 is approximately 86 mg/L, and it is 44,900 ppm when the unit is converted to ppm. In addition, since NO₂ and N₂O₄ are present under an equilibrium state in the high concentration NO₂ gas, 85,800 ppm of NO₂ is theoretically present in practical. To further increase the concentration of NO₂, it is achievable by increasing the electric power of the plasma generator 2.

According to the present invention, the concentration of NO₂ can therefore be increased to approximately 100,000 ppm.

Example 14

Other than that 160 W of electric power was applied to the plasma generator and the plasma lightning time was extended, the high concentration NO₂ gas was generated in the same manner as in Example 11. The result is shown in FIG. 13. The reference numeral E14 is a graph showing the concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas over time according to Example 14. As shown in FIG. 13, the total amount of NO₂ and N₂O₄ present under an equilibrium state was approximately 100,000 ppm.

Industrial Applicability

According to the high concentration NO₂ generating system of the present invention and the method for generating high concentration NO₂ using the generating system, NO₂ can be simply and selectively concentrated (approximately 500 ppm or above). In addition, since a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen is used as an ingredient, the management of ingredients is simple and highly safe, and the high concentration of NO₂ can be simply and selectively prepared on demand.

Explanation of Symbols 1 chamber 1a inlet portion 1b exhaust pump 1c inlet pipe 1d, 1g, V1 closure means 1e gas drying means 1f exhaust pipe 1h exhaust pump 2 plasma generator 2a microwave generating apparatus 2b waveguide 2c plasma generating portion 2d conducting shaft 2e conducting tube 2f antenna portion 2g center electrode 2h shielding film 2i ring-shaped space 2j pipe 2k shielding tube 3 circulating apparatus 4 circulating path 5 flow resistive portion 5a orifice 6 pressure device 7 NO₂ concentration measurement sensor 8 pressure detecting means

-   CE1 a concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     over time immediately after plasma according to Comparative Example     1 -   CE1 b concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     over time immediately after middle chamber according to Comparative     Example 1 -   CE2 a concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     over time immediately after plasma according to Comparative Example     2 -   CE2 b concentration of the high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     over time immediately after middle chamber according to Comparative     Example 2 -   E1 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     1 -   E2 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     2 -   E3 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     3 -   E4 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     according to Example 4 -   E5 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     according to Example 5 -   E6 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas per electrode     according to Example 6 -   E8 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     8 -   E9 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     9 -   E10 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     10 -   E11 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     11 -   E12 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     12 -   E13 concentration of high concentration NO₂ gas according to Example     13 -   F1, F2 flow meter -   F3 flow volume adjusting mechanism -   f filter -   T dry air storage tank -   MC middle chamber -   PG1, PG2 pressure device 

What is claimed is:
 1. A high concentration NO₂ gas generating system comprising: a circulating path configured by connecting a chamber, a plasma generator, and a circulating means; wherein said plasma generator comprises: a microwave generating apparatus; a waveguide connected to said microwave generating apparatus to transmit microwaves; and a plasma generating portion provided integrally with said waveguide and comprising a rod-shaped conducting shaft inserted through said waveguide and a tubular conducting tube, wherein said conducting shaft is configured by an antenna portion receiving said microwaves and a center electrode protruding externally from said waveguide, a ring-shaped space formed between said center electrode and said conducting tube, wherein a base end of said conducting tube is electrically conductive and fixed relative to said waveguide; a ventilation opening positioned toward said base end of said conducting tube and to an outside edge of said conducting tube; a pipe operatively connected to said conducting tube; and a shielding tube inserted into said conducting tube, wherein an outside edge of said shielding tube is connected to said pipe, wherein NO₂ is generated by circulating a gas mixture including nitrogen and oxygen in said circulating path.
 2. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 1, wherein said circulating means comprises a pressure device, and wherein said circulating path is configured by connecting said plasma generator to said chamber at a downstream side of said circulating path, connecting said pressure device to said plasma generator at a downstream side of said circulating path, and connecting said chamber to said pressure device at a downstream side of said circulating path.
 3. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 1, wherein a flow resistive portion is connected between said chamber and said plasma generator.
 4. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 3, wherein said flow resistive portion comprises an orifice.
 5. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 1, wherein said circulating path further comprises an NO₂ concentration measuring means.
 6. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 5, wherein said NO₂ concentration measuring means is disposed within said chamber, or between said chamber and said flow resistive portion.
 7. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 1, wherein said circulating path further comprises an inlet portion for introducing said gas mixture, and wherein said inlet portion comprises a closure means and a gas drying means.
 8. The high concentration NO₂ gas generating system according to claim 7, wherein said closure means is closed by detecting an internal pressure in said circulating path, and wherein said internal pressure increases by supplying said gas mixture into said circulating path under a reduced pressure. 